Orthodontic bracket having an archwire channel and archwire retaining mechanism

ABSTRACT

An orthodontic bracket is disclosed having three archwire retention channels in the mesial-distal directions, a central channel and two side channels. The two side channels each include a pair of spaced apart inverted archwire retaining regions having a recess that opens generally towards the bracket base. Each such recess is for grasping or holding an archwire therein. Each of the side channels has an archwire retaining ridge extending gingivally-occlusally along the adjacent side of the bracket base between the two retaining regions of the channel. For each channel, its retaining ridge exerts a force on a portion of an archwire facing away from the archwire portion residing in the recesses of the retaining regions of the channel. The force on the archwire is directed toward the interiors of the recesses of the retaining regions for assisting in seating the archwire in the recesses.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/724,159, filed Mar. 15, 2010, and claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/160,653, filed Mar. 16, 2009.The entire disclosure of the prior application hereinabove isincorporated herein fully by reference.

RELATED FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to orthodontic brackets, and inparticular, to such brackets wherein one or more archwires can besecured in laterally entered archwire retaining channels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An orthodontic bracket is disclosed herein for retaining one or morearchwires in position. The bracket includes a base having a toothaffixing side and an opposing side, and there is one or more archwireretention channels extending in the mesial-distal directions. Each ofthe archwire retention channels includes a pair of inverted archwireretaining regions on one side of the channel, wherein each of theretaining regions, in turn, includes a recess that opens generallytowards an opposing side of the channel, the opposing side being, in oneembodiment, part of the bracket base. Each such recess is for graspingor holding an archwire within the channel having the recess. A first ofthe archwire retention channels includes a first pair of gingivallylocated inverted archwire retaining regions whose recesses hold a commonarchwire. In an embodiment of the bracket having more than one archwireretention channel, a second of the archwire retention channels includesa second pair of occlusally located inverted archwire retaining regionswhose recesses hold another archwire. Moreover, for each of the archwireretention channel(s), there is a corresponding archwire retaining ridgeextending gingivally-occlusally along the opposing side bracket basebetween the two archwire retaining regions of the channel, wherein thisretaining ridge contacts a portion of an archwire that faces away fromthe archwire portion being held in the recesses of the inverted archwireretaining regions for the channel. Accordingly, for each pair ofarchwire retaining regions and an archwire held by the pair, thecorresponding archwire retaining ridge exerts a force on the archwiredirected toward the interiors of the recesses of the inverted retainingregions of the pair. In particular, this force assists in seating thearchwire in the retaining regions of the pair.

In particular for the at least one of the archwire retention channelincluded in the bracket and an archwire provided therein, the elasticityof the archwire to retain an initial non-curved shape causes thearchwire to resist a channel induced bow in the archwire (such bowing orcurving shown in FIG. 2B). Thus, as an orthodontist positions thearchwire in the at least one channel of the bracket, the correspondingretaining regions for the channel together with the correspondingretaining ridge, bind or wedge the archwire within the channel.Accordingly, the opposing forces between the channel and archwire securethe archwire within the channel. Thus, it is a feature of the bracket 20that for each such archwire channel, there are channel archwire bowingportions that retain the archwire within the channel, wherein a spacedapart plurality of these bowing portions (e.g., 40 a and 40 b forchannel 28) contact the archwire at spaced apart locations on one sideof the archwire's length, and wherein between such locations, there isat least one additional channel archwire bowing portion on an oppositeside of archwire for inducing the archwire to press against the spacedapart plurality of contacting portions. Thus, the spaced apart pluralityof bowing portions, and the at least one additional bowing portioninduce oppositely directed forces on the archwire (such forces beingtraverse to the length of the archwire), and causing the archwire to bowor bend somewhat and to press against these bowing portions for holdingthe archwire within the channel. Said differently, the channeleffectively is effectively bowed along its length.

In some embodiments, one archwire retention channel may be configured toprovide more than a single bow or bind of the archwire within thechannel. In particular, such a channel may be configured so that anarchwire contained therein must form at least one “S” shape with thechannel.

The novel bracket preferably has a generally square bracket base withopposing mesial-distal sidewalls, and opposing gingival-occlusalsidewalls that extend between the tooth affixing side and the opposingside (also referred to as an “upper side” herein). Each of the abovedescribed retaining ridges is provided by a corresponding thickenedportion of the bracket base that extends in the gingival-occlusaldirection of the bracket approximately along a gingival-occlusalocclusal center line of the bracket base. The thickened portiongradually thins in the mesial-distal direction of the bracket, endingwith the same thickness as the gingival-occlusal sidewalls.

Two archwire retention bridges are also included on the novel bracket,wherein each end of each bridge includes one of the inverted archwireretaining regions from a different one of the first and second pairsidentified above. A central archwire retention channel (positionedbetween the two archwire retention channels described above) extends inthe mesial and distal direction along a central portion of the bracket.This channel is formed by the two archwire retention bridges whichenclose spaced apart portions of the archwire retention channel forsecuring an archwire therein.

Embodiments of the bracket may be made of stainless steel for strengthor other materials, including ceramics, plastics, polycrystallinealumina material, alumina (aluminum oxide), and zirconia. The bracketbase design allows for the bracket to be used in both direct andindirect bonding to patients' teeth. Embodiments of the bracket may beformed via an injection molding technique.

Such a universal bracket design may be primarily attached to the lingualside of patients' teeth, but for embodiments of the bracket attached thelabial/buccal side of a patients' teeth, the bracket base tooth facingcurvature may be specific to particular tooth types.

This Summary section is neither intended nor should be construed asbeing representative of the full extent and scope of the presentinvention. Various embodiments of the present disclosure are set forthin the attached figures and in the detailed description hereinbelow andas embodied by the claims. Accordingly, this Summary does not containall of the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, and is notmeant to be limiting or restrictive in any manner. Furthermore, thedisclosure should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art toencompass obvious improvements and modifications thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate various views and embodiments of novel bracketsaccording to the present disclosure. The drawings are not necessarilydrawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bracket 20 illustrating novel featuresfor an orthodontic bracket.

FIG. 2A is a gingival view of the bracket 20 of FIG. 1, wherein theretaining ridge 25 and the archwire retention channel 28 are shown.

FIG. 2B is a gingival view of the bracket of FIG. 1 with an archwire 68passing through archwire retention channel 28 (as shown in FIG. 2A),wherein the archwire is held in place in the retaining regions 40 a,bby, e.g., the retaining ridge 25.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are side views of the bracket 20 of FIG. 1 lookingthrough the archwire retention channels 28, 32 and 36.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the bracket 20 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is lateral perspective view of the bracket 20 of FIG. 1 witharchwires 68 and 64 located in the gingival 28 and occlusal 36 archwireretention channels to provide, e.g., torque to a tooth 76 to which thebracket may be attached.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the bracket 20 of FIG. 1 with archwires 68 and64 located in the gingival 28 and occlusal 36 archwire retentionchannels to provide tip to the tooth 80 to which the bracket is attachedas one skilled in the art will understand.

FIG. 7 is an end perspective view of the bracket 20 of FIG. 1 witharchwires 68 and 64 located in the gingival 28 (not shown) and occlusal36 archwire retention channels to provide rotation to the tooth 84 towhich the bracket is attached as one skilled in the art will understand.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show an embodiment of the novel bracket 20 withdifferent archwire configurations attached thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, various embodiments of a bracket 20 are shown,wherein the bracket includes:

-   -   (a) A generally square bracket base 24 having an upper side 29,        a tooth affixing side 26, opposing mesial-distal sidewalls 27,        and opposing gingival-occlusal sidewalls 30 as shown in FIGS. 1,        2A and 2B. Additionally, the bracket base 24 has a pair of        retaining ridges 25 extending from each of the opposing        gingival-occlusal sidewalls 30 toward the interior of the upper        side 29. FIGS. 1 and 2A show one of retaining ridges 25; FIG. 3A        shows both retaining ridges. Each of the retaining ridges 25 is        provided by a corresponding thickened portion 23 (FIGS. 1, 2A        and 2B) of the bracket base 24 that extends in the        gingival-occlusal direction of the bracket 20 approximately        along a gingival-occlusal center line of the bracket base 24        (e.g., along the line L of FIG. 4). The thickened portion 23        gradually thins in the mesial-distal direction of the bracket        20, ending with the same thickness as the sidewalls 27.    -   (b) A pair of inverted archwire retaining regions 40 a and 40 b        on the gingival side of the bracket 20 (FIGS. 1 and 2A), and        another pair of inverted archwire retaining regions 44 a and 44        b (FIG. 1) on the occlusal side of the bracket. Each of the        pairs (40 a,b and 44 a,b) is for retaining a respective archwire        (e.g., archwire 68, FIG. 2B) therein. In particular, each of the        inverted archwire retaining regions 40 a and 40 b provide a        recess 37 (FIGS. 1 and 2A) for grasping or holding an archwire        provided therein. Also, each of the inverted archwire retaining        regions is attached to (and generally integral with) a        corresponding support 39 (FIG. 2A) that connects the retaining        region with the bracket base 24. Each support 39 extends        outwardly from the upper side 29 by a distance somewhat larger        than the cross section of largest archwire to be retained in the        recesses 37. Moreover, each of the recesses 37 has an edge 43        (FIGS. 2A,B and 3B) that is spaced apart from the support 39 for        the recess, wherein the distance between the edge and the        support is also somewhat larger than the cross section of        largest archwire to be retained in the recesses 37.        -   Note that for each of the pairs of the inverted archwire            retaining regions 40 a,b and 44 a,b, a corresponding one of            the retaining ridges 25 (FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 3A) assists in            securing an archwire (e.g., archwire 68) in the two recesses            37 of the pair. Accordingly, for each of the pairs 40 a,b            and 44 a,b, the recesses 37 for the pair operatively            cooperate with a corresponding one of the retaining ridges            25 to provide a corresponding archwire retention channel,            i.e., for an archwire retention channel 28, the pair 40 a,b,            defines one side of the channel 28 (i.e., an “outer” side)            and the corresponding retaining ridge 25 provides the            opposing side of the channel 28 (i.e., an “inner” side), and            for an archwire retention channel 36, the pair 44 a,b,            defines one side of the channel 36 (i.e., an “outer” side)            and the corresponding retaining ridge 25 provides the            opposing side of the channel 36 (i.e., an “inner” side).            Thus, when an archwire is received (and held) in the            inverted archwire retaining regions 40 a,b or 44 a,b (i.e.,            archwire retention channel 28 or 36), this archwire is            operatively coupled together with the bracket attached to a            patient's tooth.    -   (c) Two archwire retention bridges 56 and 60 (FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B,        4, 5A, 6 and 7), wherein each end of each bridge attaches to one        of the inverted archwire retaining regions and/or the support 39        therefor. For example, i.e., the ends of the bridge 56 may be        attached to the inverted archwire retaining regions 40 a and 44        a (or attached to the support 39 therefor), and the ends of the        bridge 60 may be attached to the inverted archwire retaining        regions 40 b and 44 b (or attached to the support 39 therefor).    -   (d) An archwire retention channel 32 (FIGS. 1, 3A, and 5A)        extending in the mesial and distal direction along a central        portion of the bracket 20. The two archwire retention bridges 56        and 60 (together with their corresponding inverted archwire        retaining regions) enclose, and substantially define, spaced        apart portions of the archwire retention channel 32 for securing        an archwire therein (FIG. 8B).

The bracket base 24 may be made of a variety of materials, but in oneembodiment may be stainless steel for strength. However, other materialsmay be used including ceramics and plastics. The remainder of thebracket 20 may be composed of various materials in addition to thoserecited above (e.g., polycrystalline alumina material, alumina (aluminumoxide), zirconia). In one embodiment, the bracket 20 may be formed viaan injection molding technique.

The bracket base 24 may be a universal bracket design in that it can beattached to the surface of various tooth types (e.g., incisor, bicuspid,molar, etc). Moreover, such a universal bracket design does not requirebracket identification to aid in identifying placement of the bracketand/or identifying a particular embodiment of the bracket 20. Such auniversal bracket design also leads to simplified inventory managementsince only one embodiment of the bracket 20 may be needed for placementon all teeth types instead of different embodiments of the bracket fordifferent teeth types. However, such universal bracket design may beprimarily for the lingual side of patients' teeth. For embodiments ofthe bracket 20 to be provided on the labial/buccal side of patients'teeth, the curvature of the tooth affixing side 26 may be specific toparticular tooth types as one skilled in the art will understand.Accordingly, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure thatmarkings or identifications may be provided on embodiments of thebracket 20 for identifying the bracket (e.g., as a universal bracket, orspecific to a particular tooth type(s)), for identifying themanufacturer or distributor of the bracket, and/or for identifying aparticular placement or orientation of the bracket on a tooth or toothtype. Note that descriptions of providing such markings and/oridentifications are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication2008/0020338 filed Jul. 24, 2007 and published Jan. 24, 2008, thisapplication being fully incorporated herein by reference.

The bracket base 24 design allows for the bracket 20 to be used in bothdirect and indirect bonding. Note that the term direct bonding refers toapplying adhesive directly to a patient's tooth and subsequentlyattaching a bracket 20 thereto. Indirect bonding refers to positioningone or more brackets 20 on a dental cast of a patient's teeth. Thedental cast, having the brackets 20 attached thereto, is then surroundedwith a material, wherein the material, once solidified, secures thebrackets therein and can act as a transportation device for the bracketsonce the dental cast is dissolved away. Adhesive is then applied to theback of each of the brackets 20 prior to placing the transportationdevice containing the brackets onto the patient's teeth. Accordingly, inthe indirect bonding technique, all of the brackets 20 are bonded to thepatient's teeth simultaneously. Once the brackets 20 are bonded, thetransportation device is removed from the teeth, leaving behind thebrackets attached to the teeth.

Regarding the retaining ridges 25 described above, each such ridgecorresponds to a maximal offset from the tooth affixing side 26 along acorresponding one of the archwire retention channels 28 and 36.Moreover, in at least some embodiments, such a ridge 25 has its maximaloffset centered on line L of FIG. 4. In the embodiment of the bracket 20shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the contour of each of the retaining ridges 25is a smooth arc without undulations in the mesial-distal direction, andmay also be a smooth arc in the gingival-occlusal direction withoutundulations. However, it is within the scope of the present disclosurethat in the gingival-occlusal direction, such a ridge 25 may reach itsmaximal offset at any point where the ridge transverses itscorresponding archwire retention channel (28 or 36) as long as the ridgeeffectively assists in wedging or holding an archwire in the channel(i.e., the recesses 37 of the channel). Thus, the thickened portion 23(FIG. 1) for each retaining ridge 25 may induce a force upon an archwire68 or 64 (e.g., FIG. 5A) to retain it in the archwire retaining regionsof the corresponding archwire retention channel 28 or 36. Note that eachof the two retaining ridges 25 may have symmetrical profiles (i.e.,mirror images of one another about the center line L of FIG. 4, andabout mesial-distal center line through the bracket). Moreover, notethat the maximal offset for a retaining ridge 25 may occur just outsideits corresponding archwire retention channel, e.g., on the mesial-distalperimeter of the channel furthest from the central retention channel 32.Such placements of the maximal offsets may not only provide forces forsecuring an archwire within the corresponding recesses 37, but alsoapply a force on the archwire for inhibiting the archwire from moving ina direction generally lateral to the upper side 29.

In another embodiment of the bracket 20, the retaining ridges 25 mayhave a larger or smaller maximal offset from the tooth affixing side 26to the upper side 29 of the bracket base 24 when compared to theembodiments of the figures. Moreover, one of the retaining ridges 25 mayhave a larger maximal offset from the tooth affixing side 26 than theother retaining ridge 25. This variance in the maximal offset of theretaining ridges 25 may allow for and aid in the retention of differentdiameter archwires in the retaining regions 40 a,b and 44 a,b.

In another embodiment of the bracket 20, one or more of the retainingridges 25 may have a corresponding secondary retaining ridge located atthe gingival or occlusal edges of the bracket base 24. These secondaryretaining ridges may be located on the upper side 29 at the gingivaland/or occlusal edges of the bracket base 24. Such secondary retainingridges may extend in the mesial-distal direction on the upper side 29 ofthe bracket base 24. The secondary retaining ridges may have varyingshapes (e.g., hemispherical or elliptical). Accordingly, the retainingregions 40 a,b and 44 a,b, in conjunction with the secondary retainingridges, keep the corresponding archwire secured in one of thecorresponding archwire retention channels 28 and 36 (more specificallytheir recesses 27).

For further description of the archwire retention channels 28, 32 and36, reference is made to FIG. 3A which provides a lateral (side) view ofthe bracket 20 along a gingival-occlusal side. The center archwireretention channel 32 of the bracket 20 is enclosed by the two spacedapart portions of the archwire retention bridges 56 and 60 (FIGS. 1,2A,2B, 4, 5A, 6 and 7), and the upper side 29 of the bracket base 24. Asdescribed above, each of the gingival archwire retention channel 28 andthe occlusal archwire retention channel 36 is provided by: (i) partiallyenclosed spaced apart recesses 27 of a pair of inverted archwireretaining regions, respectively, 40 a,b or 44 a,b, and (ii) the upperside 29 of the bracket base 24. Both the gingival archwire retentionchannel 28 and the occlusal archwire retention channel 36 may be mirrorimages of one another. Each of the inverted archwire retaining regions40 a,b for the gingival archwire retention channel 28, and each of theretaining regions 44 a,b for the occlusal archwire retention channel 36may be generally circular in profile (as shown in, e.g., FIG. 3A). Eachsuch profile may generally match the curvature of, e.g., the crosssection of a corresponding archwire to be provided therein. In FIG. 3A,a dashed circular cross section 38 of such an archwire is shown in thearchwire retaining regions 44 a,b of the occlusal archwire retentionchannel 36. The diameter 39 of the archwire retention channel 36 may besufficiently surrounded by the inverted archwire retaining regions 44a,b to grip and retain the archwire therein. In at least one embodiment,the opening 42 for receiving the archwire into the channel 36 ispreferably approximately the same size as the diameter of the archwirecross section 38 along the axis 37, e.g., smaller or larger byapproximately 0.01 to 0.02 inches. As also illustrated in FIG. 3A, eachof the inverted archwire retaining regions 44 a,b may surround somewhatmore than 180 degrees of the circular cross section of an archwirepositioned in the occlusal archwire retention channel 36. Note that asimilar description can also be provided for the gingival archwireretention channel 28 in that the channel 28 may be a mirror image ofocclusal archwire retention channel 36. However, it is within the scopeof the present disclosure that the gingival archwire retention channel28 may be configured differently from the occlusal archwire retentionchannel 36, e.g., the gingival archwire retention channel 28 may securedifferent sizes of archwires therein from the archwires for the occlusalarchwire retention channel 36. Also, either or both of the archwireretention channels 28 and 36 may have an elliptical profile or otherprofile instead of the circular profile shown in FIG. 3A. Further, anembodiment of the bracket 20 may have only one of the archwire retentionchannels 28 or 36.

Referring to FIG. 3B, an embodiment of the bracket 20A is shown thatincludes a retaining region (e.g., 44 a) that is shaped or configured toretain archwires having substantially different cross sectionaldiameters. An archwire having a diameter 39 (FIG. 3A) may be snappedinto the retaining region 44 a as indicated in FIG. 3A. However, anarchwire having a much smaller cross section 41, as shown in FIG. 3B,may also be provided in the channel 36. In particular, the smallerdiameter archwire may snap into (or is otherwise retained) in an uppersection 57 of the retaining region. Note that in one embodiment, a bead(not shown) may be strung on this smaller diameter archwire such thatthe bead is positioned between the retaining regions 44 a and 44 b sothat the bead contacts the corresponding retaining ridge 25 for theocclusal archwire retention channel 36 in a manner that assists inlocking the archwire into the upper section 57.

Whether the bracket embodiment of FIG. 3A or 3B is provided, multiplesizes of archwires may be utilized in each of the archwire retentionchannels 28, 32 and 36. The range in the maximal cross sectional extentof the archwires that may be utilized can be from 0.008 inches to 0.024inches, and such cross sections may be generally circular in crosssectional shape but different cross sectional shapes may be used, e.g.,at least rectangular or square cross sectional shapes for the centralarchwire retention channel 32. The multiple sizes of archwires mayprovide varying forces and friction levels ranging from an alignmentforce having a low friction, to a leveling force having a moderatefriction, to a finishing force having a maximum friction as one skilledin the art will understand. In particular, the inverted archwireretaining regions 40 a,b and 44 a,b allow for the archwires 68 or 64(FIGS. 5A, 6 and 7) to be attached to the bracket 20 without the use ofligatures.

In another embodiment, the archwire retaining regions 40 a and 44 a (or40 b and 44 b) may be joined together, above the upper side 29. Suchjoining of the retaining regions for one of the archwire retentionchannels 28 or 26 may form a single integral retaining region, or thejoining may be in form of a bridge therebetween similar to the bridges56 and 60 (except extending in the mesial-distal direction rather thanthe gingival-occlusal direction). Regardless, there may be a cutout (notshown) over the corresponding retaining ridge 25 so that when thearchwire contacts the retaining ridge 25, the archwire is wedged intothis cutout. In another embodiment, there may be only one of the outerarchwire retention channels 28 and 36 utilized to retain an archwire.

Referring to FIG. 4, a top view of the bracket 20 is shown wherein thecenter archwire retention channel 32 on the bracket is defined by thespaced apart portions of the archwire retention bridges 56 and 60 andthe upper side 29 of the bracket base 24. The archwire retention bridges56 and 60 connect and reinforce the inverted archwire retaining regions40 a to 44 a and 40 b to 44 b. The smooth rounded contours and edges 65of the inverted archwire retaining regions 40 a,b and 44 a,b provide forpatient comfort, particularly when such brackets are placed on thelingual side of a patient's teeth. In the center archwire retentionchannel 32, the archwire is enclosed on all sides (FIGS. 3A and 3B) attwo points along the channel, i.e., using the archwire retention bridges56 and 60 (FIG. 4).

A lateral view of the bracket 20, as shown in FIG. 5, shows an archwire64 in the occlusal archwire retention channel 36 and an archwire 68 inthe gingival archwire retention channel 28. The occlusal 64 and gingival68 archwires are held place via the friction system created by theinverted archwire retaining regions 40 a,b and 44 a,b in combinationwith the ridges 25 (not shown in FIG. 5). FIG. 5 also shows where thebracket 20 may reside on a tooth when it is bonded thereto. The arrows77 and 78 (FIG. 5) indicate the forces for a torque that the bondedbracket 20 may apply to the tooth.

FIG. 6 provides a top view of the bracket 20 bonded to a tooth 80wherein there is an archwire 64 in the occlusal archwire retentionchannel 36, and an archwire 68 in the gingival archwire retentionchannel 28. The arrows 90 and 91 indicate the motion of tip (angulation)that the bracket 20 may apply to the tooth once it is bonded and thearchwires are configured appropriately.

An end perspective view of the bracket 20 is shown in FIG. 7 with anarchwire 64 in the occlusal archwire retention channel 36 and anarchwire 68 in the gingival archwire retention channel 28. This figurealso shows the bracket bonded to a tooth 84 thereby showing where thebracket 20 may reside on the tooth when it is bonded thereto. The arrows93 and 94 indicate the motion of rotation that the bracket 20 and thearchwires 64 and 68 may apply to the tooth.

A plurality of the brackets 20 is shown connected together by archwiresin FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG. 8A shows the plurality of brackets 20 connectedtogether by an archwire 88 extending through the corresponding occlusalarchwire retention channels 36 of the brackets. FIG. 8A also shows asecond archwire 92 secured in the center archwire retention channel 32of the brackets 20, providing dynamic sectional control in the movementof the teeth, as one skilled in the art will understand. FIG. 8Bdisplays how another configuration, wherein there is an archwire 96 inthe occlusal archwire retention channel 36 of the brackets 20. Thearchwire 96 is also configured so that its end is secured in the centerarchwire retention channel 32 of the rightmost one of the brackets 20,thereby creating a loop like shape. It is worth noting that due to thediminutive size of the brackets 20 relative to the teeth to which theyare attached (as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B), the size of these brackets20 may allow for the bonding of two such brackets 20 on a single tooth.For example, FIG. 8B shows two such brackets 20 affixed to a molar.

Alternative embodiments of the bracket 20 include providing the invertedarchwire retaining portions so that instead of their recesses 37 openingtoward the base 24, such recesses open in another direction (e.g., awayfrom the base, or generally parallel with the upper side 29 of thebase). In such embodiments, the retaining ridge 25 is also repositionedto face in the direction toward such recesses for retaining an archwirein the same manner as, e.g., shown in FIG. 2B except that the base 24 inthis figure would no longer be the base of the bracket. Instead, thebase would attach, e.g., to the top of the retaining portions 40 a,b and44 a,b, or alternatively attach the bracket components shown FIG. 2B toa (new) bracket base that is oriented substantially perpendicular to thebase shown in FIG. 2B.

In each of the embodiments of the bracket 20 disclosed hereinabove, atleast one of the archwire retention channels 28 and 36 is provided,wherein for an archwire provided therein, the elasticity of the archwireto retain an initial non-curved shape causes the archwire to resist thechannel induced bow in the archwire (such curving shown in FIG. 2B).Thus, as an orthodontist positions the archwire in the at least onechannel of the bracket 20, the corresponding retaining regions (40 and44) for the channel together with the corresponding retaining ridge 25bind or wedge the archwire within the at least one channel. Accordingly,the opposing forces between the channel and archwire are believed tosecure the archwire within the channel. Thus, it is a feature of thebracket 20 that for each such archwire channel (e.g., 28 and/or 36),there are channel archwire bowing portions that retain the archwirewithin the channel, wherein a spaced apart plurality of these bowingportions (e.g., 40 a and 40 b for channel 28) contact the archwire atspaced apart locations on one side of the archwire's length, and whereinbetween such locations, there is at least one additional channelarchwire bowing portion on an opposite side of archwire for inducing thearchwire to press against the spaced apart plurality of contactingportions. Thus, the spaced apart plurality of bowing portions, and theat least one additional bowing portion induce oppositely directed forceson the archwire (such forces being traverse to the length of thearchwire), and causing the archwire to bow or bend somewhat and to pressagainst these bowing portions for holding the archwire within thechannel.

In use, after an orthodontist has secured the bracket 20 to one of apatient's teeth, the orthodontist may exert a force (e.g., substantiallyparallel to the upper side 29) on a corresponding archwire to force thearchwire enter one or both of the archwire retention channels (28 or36), wherein such force induces the corresponding archwire to bow in thechannel. Alternatively, the orthodontist may thread the archwire intosuch a channel, wherein the orthodontist pushes the archwire into thechannel by purposely bowing or binding the archwire to follow the bow ofthe channel, and then once the archwire is threaded through the channel,the orthodontist can then bend the archwire into the correct orientationto attach the archwire to, e.g., a next orthodontic appliance attachedto, e.g., a next tooth. Note, that such subsequent bending of thearchwire by the orthodontist is believed to also provide similar forceson the archwire (and traverse to the length thereof) as described abovefor securing the archwire within the channel.

The disclosure herein describes the best mode known to carry out theinvention as claimed in the claims hereinbelow. Moreover, the foregoingdisclosure has been provided for purposes of illustration anddescription. This disclosure is not intended to limit the inventionclaimed hereinbelow, and various embodiments thereof. Variations,embodiments and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in theart and are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for adjustment of a patient's toothusing an orthodontic appliance, wherein the appliance has mesial anddistal archwire retaining portions on opposite sides of a bracket withrespective retaining ridges, the method comprising applying a force toan archwire positioned within a patient's mouth for inducing apredetermined bow when the archwire enters an archwire retainingchannel, wherein the mesial and distal archwire retaining portions areon a first side of the channel and a retaining ridge is on an opposingside contacting the archwire at a location between the mesial and distalarchwire retaining portions for providing the predetermined bow in thearchwire in a direction towards the first side.
 2. The method as setforth in claim 1, wherein a shape of the bracket retains the archwire.3. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the archwire retainingportions are configured to grasp the archwire.
 4. The method as setforth in claim 1, wherein the archwire retaining portions are configuredfor mating with more than 180° about the archwire.
 5. The method as setforth in claim 1, wherein each of the mesial and distal archwireretaining portions include a configuration for mating with more than180° about two different archwires, wherein the two different archwireshave different cross-sectional extents.
 6. The method as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the bracket has a base and at least one of theretaining portions has a recess that opens toward the base.
 7. Themethod as set forth in claim 1, wherein the retaining ridge is oppositea gap along the archwire retaining channel.
 8. The method as set forthin claim 1, wherein the bracket has a base and at least one of theretaining portions has a recess that opens away from the base.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the archwire is caused to bow in a fashionthat holds the archwire within the archwire retaining channel.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the archwire retaining portions have smoothcontours and edges.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the archwire isattached to the bracket without the use of ligatures.
 12. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the archwire retaining portions are inverted.
 13. Amethod for adjustment of a patient's tooth using an orthodonticappliance, comprising: securing an orthodontic appliance to a patient'stooth, wherein the appliance includes: (a) a tooth attachment side forattaching to a tooth, and an outer side for facing away from the tooth;(b) mesial and distal archwire retaining portions for retaining anarchwire in a first archwire retaining channel, each of the mesial anddistal archwire retaining portions having a corresponding recess forreceiving the archwire; (c) a first retaining ridge for holding thearchwire in the corresponding recesses, the first retaining ridgeextending away from the tooth attachment side further than distal andmesial ends of the first archwire retaining channel; (d) second mesialand distal archwire retaining portions for retaining a second archwirein a second archwire retaining channel, each of the second mesial anddistal archwire retaining portions having a corresponding additionalrecess for receiving the second archwire; (e) a first bridge extendingbetween and fixedly connecting the mesial archwire retaining portion andthe second mesial archwire retaining portion; (f) a second bridgeextending between and fixedly connecting the distal archwire retainingportion and the second distal archwire retaining portion; and (g)wherein the each of the first and second bridges enclose a part of anarchwire retention channel between the first and second archwireretaining channels; providing the archwire in an open side along alength of the first archwire retaining channel for receiving thearchwire in the first archwire retaining channel; applying a force tothe archwire for inducing a predetermined bow therein when the archwireenters the first archwire retaining channel, wherein the mesial anddistal archwire retaining portions are on a first side of the firstarchwire retaining channel, and the first retaining ridge is on anopposing second side of the first archwire retaining channel, andcontacts the archwire at a location between the mesial and distalarchwire retaining portions for providing the predetermined bow in thearchwire in a direction toward the first side; providing the secondarchwire in an open side along a length of the second archwire retainingchannel for receiving the archwire in the second archwire retainingchannel; applying a force to the second archwire for inducing apredetermined second bow therein when the second archwire enters thesecond archwire retaining channel, wherein the second mesial and seconddistal archwire retaining portions are on a first side of the secondarchwire retaining channel, and a second retaining ridge is on anopposing second side of the second archwire retaining channel, andcontacts the second archwire at a location between the second mesial andsecond distal archwire retaining portions for providing thepredetermined second bow in the second archwire in a direction towardthe first side of the second archwire retaining channel; wherein thearchwire retaining portions are configured to grasp the archwire; andwherein the first retaining ridge is opposite a gap along the firstarchwire retaining channel.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein thearchwires are generally rectangular or square in cross sectional shape.15. The method of claim 13, wherein the archwire retaining portions areinverted.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the archwire retainingportions have rounded contours and edges.
 17. The method of claim 13,wherein said archwire retaining portions have recess openings directedaway from the base.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the archwireretention channel has an elliptical profile.
 19. The method of claim 13,wherein the archwire is attached to the bracket without the use ofligatures.
 20. A method for adjustment of a patient's tooth using anorthodontic appliance, wherein the appliance has mesial and distalarchwire retaining portions on opposite sides of a bracket withrespective retaining ridges, the method comprising applying a force toan archwire positioned within a patient's mouth for inducing apredetermined bow when the archwire enters an archwire retainingchannel, wherein the mesial and distal archwire retaining portions areon a first side of the channel and a retaining ridge is on an opposingside contacting the archwire at a location between the mesial and distalarchwire retaining portions for providing the predetermined bow in thearchwire in a direction towards the first side; wherein a shape of thebracket retains the archwire; wherein the archwire retaining portionsare configured to grasp the archwire; wherein said appliance furtherincludes a first bridge extending between and fixedly connected to thedistal archwire retaining portions on opposite sides of the bracket; andwherein the archwires have a cross sectional extent from 0.008 inches to0.024 inches.